ONO PHARMA Announces Enrollment is Complete for the First Arm of the PROSPECT Study of Tirabrutinib in U.S. Patients with Relapsed or Refractory PCNSL

On March 25, 2024 ONO Pharmaceuticals, Co., Ltd. reported it has completed target patient enrollment of the first arm (Part A) of the PROSPECT Study, a Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of tirabrutinib (ONO-4059) in U.S. patients with relapsed or refractory primary central nervous system lymphoma (R/R PCNSL) (Press release, Ono, MAR 25, 2024, View Source [SID1234641421]).

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"A PCNSL diagnosis can be frightening for patients, and treatment options approved by the FDA are critically needed in the U.S.," said Kiyoaki Idemitsu, Executive Officer / Executive Director, Clinical Development of ONO PHARMA. "Completing enrollment of the first arm of this U.S. study is an important step in bringing a therapeutic option to patients with R/R PCNSL in the U.S. We are very grateful to everyone involved with this clinical trial."

The first arm (Part A) of the PROSPECT Study is evaluating the safety and efficacy of tirabrutinib in patients with R/R PCNSL who received previous treatment with high-dose methotrexate-based regimens. Enrollment is now complete for Part A. ONO PHARMA continues to enroll newly diagnosed and previously untreated PCNSL patients in the second arm of the study (Part B), evaluating tirabrutinib in combination with one of two high-dose methotrexate-based regimens as first-line therapy in the PROSPECT Study (theprospectstudy.com and clinicaltrials.gov).

PCNSL is a rare and aggressive extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma with historically poor survival rates.1 PCNSL affects the brain, its protective membranes, the spinal cord, and/or eye, without systemic involvement at the time of diagnosis.1 In the U.S., the incidence of PCNSL is approximately five out of 1,000,000 people per year, with higher rates in people over 65 years old.2

Tirabrutinib is a highly selective irreversible Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor discovered by ONO PHARMA in Japan. In March 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted Orphan Drug Designation to tirabrutinib for the treatment of PCNSL.3 Tirabrutinib is currently approved for R/R PCNSL treatment in Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea.3

"This is an important milestone for ONO as it builds its clinical trial program in the U.S.," said Kunihiko Ito, President and CEO of ONO PHARMA USA. "For decades, ONO’s commitment to innovation in oncology has helped change treatment paradigms for patients all over the world. We look forward to continuing this legacy as we investigate tirabrutinib for PCNSL in the U.S."

About PCNSL
PCNSL is a rare and aggressive extra nodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) that is confined to the brain parenchyma, spinal cord, eye, or leptomeninges, without systemic involvement. The annual incidence rate of PCNSL is approximately five cases per 1,000,000 people in the U.S. The rate can further increase among immunocompetent people aged 65 years and older. The signs and symptoms presented in patients with PCNSL vary depending on the neuroanatomical site of the lesion, and include cranial neuropathy, neuropsychiatric symptoms, symptoms associated with increased intracranial pressure, seizures, ocular symptoms, headache, dysmotility, cranial neuropathy, and radiculopathy. There are no therapeutic products approved for the treatment of PCNSL in the U.S., and data guiding therapeutic approaches are very limited. Despite recent progress resulting in the improvement of clinical outcomes in newly diagnosed patients with PCNSL after an induction treatment, approximately 20 to 30 percent of patients are refractory to the initial treatment, and up to 60 percent of patients will eventually relapse. To learn more about R/R PCNSL, please visit navigatingpcnsl.com.

About Tirabrutinib
Tirabrutinib, discovered and developed by Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. is a highly potent selective BTK inhibitor. Signaling through the B-cell receptor (BCR) regulates cellular proliferation and activation, and promotes survival, differentiation, and clonal expansion of B-cells. The BCR signaling pathway plays an important role in a number of B-cell malignancies. Gene expression profiling data revealed BCR signaling as the most prominent pathway activated in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells isolated from lymphatic tissues. In Japan, tirabrutinib was approved in March 2020 for the treatment of relapsed or refractory PCNSL and launched under the tradename of Velexbru in May 2020. In addition, tirabrutinib was approved for the treatment of relapsed or refractory PCNSL in South Korea in November 2021 and in Taiwan in February 2022. Moreover, Velexbru was approved for the treatment of Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia and lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma in Japan in August 2020.

About the PROSPECT Study
The PROSPECT Study is a Phase 2 trial (NCT04947319) evaluating the safety and effectiveness of an investigational oral medicine called tirabrutinib for the potential treatment of newly diagnosed or relapsed/refractory (R/R) primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL), which is a type of cancer that either does not improve from treatment (refractory) or improves only for a limited time (relapsed). Current treatment options for R/R PCNSL are limited, and there are no medications approved in the U.S. for the treatment of PCNSL. Learn more about the PROSPECT Study here: theprospectstudy.com.

Bio-Thera Solutions Receives IND Clearance From US FDA to Initiate a Phase II Study for BAT8006, an Innovative Antibody Drug Conjugate Targeting Folate Receptor α

On March 25, 2024 Bio-Thera Solutions (688177:SH), a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a pipeline of innovative therapies and biosimilars, reported receiving IND clearance from the US FDA for a phase II Study for BAT8006, an innovative Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC) targeting Folate Receptor α (FRα) (Press release, BioThera Solutions, MAR 25, 2024, View Source;302098092.html [SID1234641420]). The phase II study will investigate the use of BAT8006 for the treatment of subjects with platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer.

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FRα is a folic acid-binding protein located on cell membranes that is overexpressed in a variety of solid tumors such as ovarian, lung, breast cancer, etc., but has a limited distribution and a lower level of expression in normal tissues. This differential expression makes FRα an attractive target for cancer drug development. BAT8006 is developed using Bio-Thera’s proprietary anti-FRα antibody and proprietary ADC linker-payload combination that includes a systemically stable and cleavable linker and a small molecule topoisomerase I inhibitor. Preclinical studies have shown that BAT8006 demonstrates good stability and safety along with strong anti-tumor activity. The small molecule topoisomerase I inhibitor payload carried by BAT8006 has a strong cell membrane penetration ability, which enables the payload to kill nearby cancer cells after the cancer cells initially targeted by the ADC are killed. This bystander effect gives BAT8006 the potential to effectively overcome the heterogeneity of the tumor. Currently, a phase I study of BAT8006 is ongoing in China. In that trial, the dose escalation study has completed and the dose expansion and dose optimization study in a series of tumors are ongoing. The preliminary data indicated that BAT8006 could potentially be a best-in-class drug. Updated clinical data will be presented at future academic conference.

GC Genome to Present New Data at AACR 2024

On March 25, 2024 GC Genome Corporation, a leading diagnostics company, reported that the company will present two poster presentations at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting 2024 in San Diego, California, from April 5–10, 2024 (Press release, GC Genome, MAR 25, 2024, View Source [SID1234641419]). During the event, GC Genome will showcase the innovative performance of its liquid biopsy technology for early cancer detection using cfDNA, highlighting its effectiveness across diverse ethnic groups.

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Poster Presentation Details:

Title: A deep learning-based multimodal ensemble algorithm for lung cancer early detection with cross-ethnic generalizability

Date and Time: Monday, April 8, 2024 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM PT
Location: Poster Section 40
Poster Board Number: 7
Abstract Number: 2411
Title: Analysis of analytical variables in the cancer detection assay utilizing cfDNA fragmentomics

Date and Time: Tuesday, April 9, 2024 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM PT
Location: Poster Section 40
Poster Board Number: 19
Abstract Number: 5032

Linkage of Cancer and Lupus in Gliomas Patients

On March 25, 2024 Oncotelic Therapeutics, Inc (OTCQB:OTLC) reported the peer reviewed publication of Transforming Growth Factor Beta 2 (TGFB2) mRNA Levels, in Conjunction with Interferon-Gamma Receptor Activation of Interferon Regulatory Factor 5 (IRF5) and Expression of CD276/B7-H3, Are Therapeutically Targetable Negative Prognostic Markers in Low-Grade Gliomas: Past, Present, and Future Strategies in the Treatment and Management of Gliomas (Press release, Oncotelic, MAR 25, 2024, View Source [SID1234641418]).

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Dr. Vuong Trieu, CEO and Chairman of Oncotelic, stated, "Our R&D team has discovered crosstalk between the TGF-β and IFN signaling pathways, linking gliomas and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). This publication has identified IRF5 as a common target for both diseases, opening up a new avenue for combating cancer,"

Our findings place IRF5 at the intersection of inflammation and cancer. Understanding the role of IRF5 in both SLE and cancer opens an avenue for targeting IRF5 or its downstream pathways. This could offer new strategies for treating SLE and various cancers by modulating the immune response.

The article can be accessed for free online: View Source

Theriva™ Biologics Reports Full-Year 2023 Operational Highlights and Financial Results

On March 25, 2024 Theriva Biologics (NYSE American: TOVX), a diversified clinical-stage company developing therapeutics designed to treat cancer and related diseases in areas of high unmet need, reported financial results for the full-year ended December 31, 2023, and provided a corporate update (Press release, Theriva Biologics, MAR 25, 2024, View Source [SID1234641417]).

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"With continued advancement of our clinical programs, we have the opportunity to achieve several important milestones this year," said Steven A. Shallcross, Chief Executive Officer of Theriva Biologics. "VIRAGE, our Phase 2b trial of VCN-01 in newly-diagnosed metastatic PDAC remains on track to complete enrollment in the first half of 2024. We completed the first safety review with the IDMC, and with a positive recommendation, VIRAGE will continue to enroll patients as planned with no modifications to the protocol. Our clinical data has demonstrated that repeated systemic dosing of VCN-01 is feasible from a safety perspective, and will now focus on determining whether the repeated-dose regimen of VCN-01 may lead to improved clinical outcomes for patients with PDAC and other solid cancers. In addition to advancing the VIRAGE PDAC trial, we continue to work closely with key opinion leaders, and regulatory agencies to refine our protocol and clinical strategy for VCN-01 as an adjunct to chemotherapy in pediatric patients with advanced retinoblastoma. In parallel, our investigator sponsored Phase 1 trial evaluating the safety and activity of intravitreal VCN-01 in pediatric patients with refractory retinoblastoma continues to progress and will further inform our clinical development pathway in this area of high unmet need."

Recent Program Highlights and Anticipated Milestones:

VCN-01:

Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC): Dosing is underway and enrollment continues to progress for VIRAGE, the randomized, controlled, multicenter, open-label Phase 2b trial of VCN-01 in combination with standard-of-care chemotherapy (gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel) as a first line therapy in newly diagnosed bmetastatic PDAC patients. The trial is expected to enroll 92 evaluable patients and remains on track to complete enrollment in H1 2024.
The Independent Data Monitoring Committee (IDMC) recommended the continuation of enrollment as planned into the VIRAGE study. According to the IDMC’s expert assessment of clinical data from patients enrolled at six sites open in the U.S. and nine sites in Spain, the ongoing Phase 2b trial will continue without any changes to the protocol. No safety concerns were raised based on the evaluation of data presented at the IDMC meeting. Intravenous VCN-01 has been well tolerated and demonstrated a safety profile consistent with prior clinical trials. Importantly, no additional toxicities were observed in patients receiving a second dose of VCN-01.
Retinoblastoma: The investigator sponsored Phase 1 trial evaluating the safety and activity of intravitreal VCN-01 in pediatric patients with refractory retinoblastoma has completed patient treatment. The trial is designed to evaluate escalating doses of VCN-01 administered by two intravitreal injections separated by 14 days. The investigator sponsored Phase 1 trial, which will complete patient follow-up in H1 2024, will help inform the planned Phase 2 trial design.
This builds on positive preclinical results presented by collaborators at Fundació Sant Joan de Déu demonstrating that administration of VCN-01 in combination with topotecan chemotherapy may improve VCN-01 activity against retinoblastoma.
SYN-004 (ribaxamase):

Dosing is underway for the ongoing Phase 1b/2a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial of SYN-004 (ribaxamase) in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients for the prevention of acute graft-versus-host-disease (aGVHD). SYN-004 appeared to be well tolerated in HCT patients treated with IV meropenem and SYN-004 was not detected in blood samples from the majority of the evaluable patients. The trial is on track to complete enrollment into the second cohort in Q2 2024.
Business Updates

On November 2, 2023, Theriva signed an exclusive option to license intellectual property from Sant Joan de Déu-Barcelona Children’s Hospital (SJD) to explore the therapeutic potential of VCN-01 in combination with topoisomerase I inhibitors. This strengthens a long-term research collaboration with SJD and builds on ongoing trial evaluating VCN-01 in pediatric cancers.
Theriva is actively pursuing licensing discussions for our SYN-020 intestinal alkaline phosphatase asset.
Full-Year Ended December 31, 2023 Financial Results

General and administrative expenses decreased to $7.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, from $9.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. This decrease of 28% is primarily comprised of the decrease in the fair value of the contingent consideration of $2.8 million, along with lower salary, investor relations, legal costs, consulting fees related to the VCN acquisition, and director and officer insurance offset by higher audit fees, and other consulting fees. The charge relating to stock based compensation expense was $0.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $0.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2022.

Research and development expenses increased to $14.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, from $11.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. This increase of 22% is primarily the result of higher clinical trial expenses related to our VIRAGE Phase 2 clinical trial of VCN-01 in PDAC, offset by lower expenses related to our Phase 1b/2a clinical trial of SYN-004 (ribaxamase) in allogeneic HCT recipients, the completed Phase 1a clinical trial of SYN-020, decreased manufacturing expenses related to our Phase 1a clinical trial of SYN-020 and lower other indirect costs. We anticipate research and development expense to increase as we continue enrollment in our VIRAGE Phase 2 clinical trial of VCN-01 in PDAC and our ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial in retinoblastoma, expand GMP manufacturing activities for VCN-01, and continue supporting our VCN-11 and other preclinical and discovery initiatives. Research and development expenses also include a charge relating to non-cash stock-based compensation expense of $165,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $112,000 for the year ended December 31, 2022. In addition, we expect research and development expenses to increase as we incur higher clinical program costs for our VCN product candidates.

Other income was $1,442,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to other income of $471,000 for the year ended December 31, 2022. Other income for the year ended December 31, 2023 is primarily comprised of interest income of $1,439,000 and an exchange gain of $3,000. Other income for the year ended December 31, 2022 is primarily comprised of interest income of $512,000 offset by an exchange loss of $41,000.

Cash and cash equivalents totaled $23.2 million as of December 31, 2023, compared to $41.8 million as of December 31, 2022.

The audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K contain an unqualified audit opinion from the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm that includes an explanatory paragraph related to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

Conference Call

Theriva Biologics will host a conference call on Monday, March 25, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. ET to discuss its financial results for the full-year ended December 31, 2023 and provide a corporate update. Individuals may participate in the live call via telephone by dialing 1-877-451-6152 (domestic) or 1-201-389-0879 (international) and using the conference ID: 13744453. Participants are asked to dial in 15 minutes before the start of the call to register. Investors and the public can access the live and archived webcast of this call via the "News & Media" section of the company’s website, View Source, under "Events" or by clicking here, up to 90 days after the call.